KidZania Tokyo's Morinaga Confectionery Pavilion 'Sweets Factory' Reopens After Major Renovation!

Photo session during the opening ceremony of the 'Sweets Factory' Pavilion at KidZania Tokyo

Morinaga & Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & COO: Nobuya Mori, hereinafter 'Morinaga') and KCJ GROUP Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Michinari Tsuburaya, hereinafter 'KCJ GROUP') held a grand opening ceremony on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to celebrate the renovation of the 'Sweets Factory' pavilion at KidZania Tokyo (Koto-ku, Tokyo), a children's career and social experience facility operated by KCJ GROUP, with Morinaga as the official sponsor.

The 'Sweets Factory' pavilion has been a beloved experience since KidZania Tokyo opened in 2006, allowing children to create their own 'Original Hi-Chew'. This renovation introduces a new element where children can learn about the product development history, along with a complete refresh of the pavilion’s exterior and interior design, flavor, and packaging. Following the renovation, a limited-time 'Blue Raspberry' flavor will be available until Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Comedian Natsuko Yokozawa appeared as a special guest at the ceremony. Prior to the event, she fully immersed herself as a 'Supervisor'—a staff role at KidZania—and experienced working at the 'Sweets Factory'. On stage, she delivered a greeting in English and enthusiastically shared her experience at the newly renovated pavilion.

Natsuko Yokozawa, a devoted fan of KidZania, experiences the 'Sweets Factory' as a Supervisor

Yokozawa explaining the process to children under trainer supervision Yokozawa stretching the Hi-Chew sheet together with children Yokozawa and children surprised as the Hi-Chew sheet stretches too far

Yokozawa operating the machine to shape the Hi-Chew Yokozawa assisting children with finalizing their packaging Yokozawa posing with the children who completed the experience

Natsuko Yokozawa appears as a Supervisor at the KidZania Tokyo 'Sweets Factory' Renovation Ceremony

Yokozawa, a mother of three and longtime fan of KidZania, took the stage wearing the new 'Sweets Factory' Supervisor uniform. Showcasing her signature talent for role-playing, she greeted the audience with, 'Good evening! Welcome to the Morinaga Sweets Factory!'—a familiar English phrase used at KidZania—immediately capturing the hearts of both the press and children in attendance.

Yokozawa making her entrance in the 'Sweets Factory' Supervisor outfit Yokozawa fully embodying the role of a Supervisor during the ceremony

Reflecting on her experience, Yokozawa said, 'As a Supervisor, I’m seen as a slightly older peer to the children, so I made sure to treat them not as kids, but as fellow “adults.” Since adults normally can’t enter the pavilion, it was truly a joy to step into this sacred space as a Supervisor I’ve always admired.'

The children responded to Yokozawa’s performance with '100 points out of 100!', while trainer Misuzu commented, 'Your smile, cheerful voice, and clear speech were so impressive—it didn’t feel like a first-time Supervisor experience at all. We’d love to have you join our shifts starting tomorrow!' Yokozawa replied with delight, 'Can I really start working tomorrow? Not needing a reservation? That’s wonderful!'—filling the venue with laughter and warmth.

Giant Original Hi-Chew Ceremony

At KidZania Tokyo’s 'Sweets Factory', children can create spiral-patterned Original Hi-Chew candies. At the end of the activity, they apply stickers to their packaging and take home a special Hi-Chew with their name printed on the back. During the ceremony, a 'Giant Original Hi-Chew'—approximately 1,000 times larger than the actual package children make—made a grand appearance. With Yokozawa’s support, children applied oversized stickers to it, joyfully celebrating the pavilion’s grand reopening.

Yokozawa holding the Original Hi-Chew created during the experience Yokozawa assisting children as they apply stickers to the Giant Original Hi-Chew

Yokozawa answers questions from a mother’s perspective

In conjunction with the 'Sweets Factory' renovation, Yokozawa responded to selected questions:

・The scene where the Hi-Chew sheet stretches dramatically is memorable. Do you feel your children’s growth or potential?

…My daughters have started praising me lately. Recently, they said, 'Mom, you’re great at washing dishes,' and 'You’re a great cook, this is delicious!'—I feel they’ve really grown up.

・Regarding the 'happiness with every chew' concept, when do you feel happiness about your children?

…My birthday is in July, and during Tanabata, my eldest daughter wrote on a tanzaku: 'I want to celebrate Mom’s birthday.' That made me incredibly happy. Even though we haven’t celebrated yet, I already feel my wish has come true.

・What would you like to 'renovate' about yourself this summer?

…Right now, I fall asleep with my kids three nights a week from 8 PM to 6 AM, so my evenings aren’t fulfilling. I’d like to reduce my sleep from 10 hours to 6–7 hours, and shift from sleeping 10 hours every night to doing so only once every four or five days.

・Please share your thoughts on the 'Sweets Factory' renovation!

…I’ve been eagerly waiting for this renovation. The limited-time Blue Raspberry flavor has such a lovely scent—I think children will be excited and joyful while making it. I truly hope many children come to experience making Hi-Chew.

Remarks from Opening Ceremony Speakers

Nobuya Mori, President & COO, Morinaga & Co., Ltd. Since KidZania Tokyo opened in 2006, we have delivered the joy of manufacturing to children through the 'Sweets Factory' pavilion. This renovation evolves the experience by adding insights into confectionery development history and the global appeal of Hi-Chew, available in over 30 countries. Through this blend of fun and learning, we aim to convey the importance of food and the meaning of craftsmanship.

Michinari Tsuburaya, President, KCJ GROUP Co., Ltd. The 'Sweets Factory' pavilion, cherished by many since the facility’s opening, is being renewed at the milestone of KidZania Tokyo’s 20th anniversary. We sincerely thank Morinaga for their long-standing support. Going forward, under our purpose of 'providing all children with the ultimate edutainment experience and contributing to a richer future society,' we will continue advancing initiatives, including experiences in the newly renovated pavilion.